President Muhammadu Buhari Monday at State House, Abuja, received the Governors of Cross River and Zamfara States, who recently left the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Mr. Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, made this known in a statement he issued in Abuja and copy of which was made available to The DEFENDER.
President Muhammadu Buhari presenting APC Flag to Governor of Zamfara State, Hon. Mohammed Bello Matawalle, who recently decamped from opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as he receives in audience New APC Governors of Cross River and Zamfara State led by APC Chairman Caretaker Committee in State House on Monday 12th July 2021.
The new APC members, Governors Ben Ayade and Bello Matawalle, were accompanied to the event by the Chairman Caretaker Committee of the Party and Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni, Gov Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State who is Chairman of Progressives Governors Forum, and Governor Muhammed Badaru Abubakar of Jigawa State.
President Buhari handed the flags of the party to the two Governors, raised their hands aloft, and declared:
“This is one of the happiest times for us in this party. For you to have the courage to leave your constituencies speak a lot. I wish Nigerians will reflect about it.
“I congratulate you for leaving your constituencies for our great party. We lost many states at the last election, which is unusual for a ruling party. But we did it to prove that we are a tolerant group. We wanted to demonstrate that we respect individuals.
“We emphasized that we respect our people. That was why we insisted on free and fair elections. Leaders should show honesty and respect for their followers.”
President Buhari added that the coming of the two Governors to APC was very important to the party, adding: “To be principled and identify your objectives is a great quality that should endear us to our people. Your people will respect you more for having the courage to come to APC at your own time. Nobody forced you, but you believe it is the best way to serve your people. I value your decision.”
Governor Mai Mala Buni said the Governors joined APC in appreciation of the good works the President was doing for the country, and also announced that ward, local government and state congresses of the party would start from July 31, 2021.
He said the congresses were shifted for one week, because the initial dates clashed with Sallah festivities.
President Muhammadu Buhari presenting APC Flag to Governor of Cross River State, Prof. Ben Ayade, who recently decamped from opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and joined the ruling APC, as he receives in audience New APC Governors of Cross River and Zamfara State led by APC Chairman Caretaker Committee in State House on Monday 12th July 2021.
President Muhammadu Buhari being presented some APC survenirs, as he receives two new governors of APC in State House Abuja, on Monday 12 July, 2021.
President Muhammadu Buhari, right, speaking after presentation of Flag of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to Governors of Zamfara and Cross River states, Hon. Mohammed Bello Matawalle, left, and Prof. Ben Ayade, second left, respectively, who recently decamped from opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the presence of National Caretaker Committee Chairman and Governor of Yobe State, Alhaji Mai Mala Buni, second left, as he receives in audience New APC Governors of Cross River and Zamfara State led by APC Chairman Caretaker Committee in State House on Monday 12th July 2021.
